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Grand Prix of the Americas: Day 1

Marussia driver Charles Pic of France leads Lotus driver Roman Grosjean of France into the first turn during the first free practice session for the Formula One's U.S. Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

The different classes of F1 visitor

In the early afternoon the sun is low overhead and in the drivers' eyes as they head up to Turn One

Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany leaves from the pits during the first free practice session for the Formula One's U.S. Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso of Spain steers his car into the first turn during the first free practice session for the Formula One's U.S. Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Sauber driver Kamui Kobayashi of Japan steers his car into the first turn during the first free practice session for the Formula One's U.S. Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

A McLaren mechanic is provides a marker for Lewis Hamilton - the McLaren pit is next to Red Bull

A McLaren, a Marussia and a Force India get picked for the day's scrutineering

The Circuit of the Americas is the miracle in the fields, the track that no one thought would be finished in time to hold its appointed race. But the Texans got past the turmoil, and even though the heavy machinery was still working on dirt roads as July, come November 18 there was a beautiful, and completed, Formula 1 facility for Travis County to call its own. It was dusty, sure. But it was done, and F1 could come to town.